Some Catholics Still Believe in a Geocentric Universe

Should all Catholics be judged by this fringe group who are challenging modern science? What if they were Muslim? There would be ceaseless discussion about how Islam is incompatible with science and modernity. (hat tip: Ahmed)

Scientists have got it wrong – Earth really is the centre of the universe, according to a group of staunch Catholics who refuse to believe otherwise.

“A few conservative Roman Catholics are pointing to a dozen Bible verses and the church’s original teachings as proof that Earth is the centre of the universe, the view that was at the heart of the church’s clash with Galileo Galilei four centuries ago,” The Chicago Tribune has reported.

“The relatively obscure movement has gained a following among those who find comfort in knowing there are still staunch defenders of early church doctrine.

“By challenging modern science, proponents of a geocentric universe are challenging the very church they seek to serve and protect.

“Those promoting geocentrism argue that heliocentrism, or the centuries-old consensus among scientists that Earth revolves around the sun, is a conspiracy to squelch the church’s influence.”

Robert Sungenis, the leader of a movement urging scientists to reconsider their opinion, said believing in heliocentrism was dangerous.

“False information leads to false ideas, and false ideas lead to illicit and immoral actions – thus the state of the world today,” Mr Sungenis told The Tribune.

“Prior to Galileo, the church was in full command of the world, and governments and academia were subservient to her.”

Astrophysicists at Catholic university Notre Dame in the United States said there was good reason why the concept of geocentrism was extinct.

“It’s an idea whose time has come and gone,” astrophysics professor Peter Garnavich told The Tribune.

“There are some people who want to move the world back to the 1950s when it seemed like a better time. These are people who want to move the world back to the 1250s.”

Professor Garnavich said geocentrism “violates what he believes should be a strict separation of church and science”, according to The Tribune.

“One answers why, the other answers how, and never the twain should meet.”